Business News: Generosity is at the core of optician's success

Give them something to talk about, says Sir Karim Hakimi - which is exactly what he did.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Canada based, Hakim Optical, and it would appear that the cornerstone of this optician's service philosophy is to deliver far more than anyone expects.

"I truly believe it's important to make a difference in the lives of others," Hakimi is often heard to say. And so, 40 years ago, from his own little laboratory on Elm Street in Toronto, newly landed Iranian immigrant, Karim Hakimi, began to knock on doors. Prepared for the hard work it would take to build a life in his new homeland, Hakimi fitted customers with eyeglasses during the day and then he worked through the night to grind the lenses he promised them within 24 hours.

Before long, Hakimi's reputation for honest value, quality, and personal attention brought customers flocking to his store. Sometimes it was so busy, customers had to wait outside until someone left-and to fill special needs, Hakimi would often grind lenses for patients with cataracts and other serious eye problems.

Today, the one-person operation has expanded to an optical company with 140 locations in many Canadian provinces, combining to sell at least 1,000 pairs of prescription eyeglasses every day. As importantly, Hakimi is an avid participator in Ride For Sight, an annual motorcycle event for vision oriented charities. Every year, he also donates thousands of eyeglasses to those in need in developing countries.

In 2005, during a grand ceremony at Queen's Park, Karim Hakimi was knighted for his dedication to the optical needs of people everywhere.

A Lens Into The Future

Technology is rapidly improving the way we see and also, how we are seen by others-even though the breakthrough lenses on the horizon, says Hakimi, do sound a little like science fiction. Imagine, for example:

• a lens that will change colour to match our clothes.

• a lens that will help people with sleep disorders get a better night's sleep.